Hawarden High School praised by Estyn for inclusive ethos and pupil support
Hawarden High School has been praised by Estyn for its inclusive ethos, strong pastoral care and work supporting pupils from low-income households, in its first inspection report since 2017.
The report, published today, 14 May, describes the school as “an inclusive and welcoming community where leaders and staff place a strong emphasis on pupils’ well-being, aspiration and developing a sense of belonging.”
Inspectors said pupils feel safe and valued and that staff know them well, providing tailored support that helps many make sound progress and build confidence in their learning.
The school on The Highway in Hawarden has 1,161 pupils, including 186 in the sixth form.
Estyn singled out the school’s work supporting pupils from low-income households as a particular strength.
In a dedicated “spotlight” section of the report, inspectors praised the school’s “well-established and comprehensive approach” to identifying need and providing swift and discreet support for pupils and their families.
They said recent outcomes show that the performance of pupils eligible for free school meals is improving.
Pupil leadership at the school was described by inspectors as “a notable strength.”
The school’s pupil Senedd has secured changes including a safe space for LGBTQ+ pupils and additional revision support, while a pupil-led nutrition group has improved the school’s canteen menu.
The school also hosted Flintshire Pride and runs a “REACH” personal and social education programme shaped by pupil feedback.
Inspectors highlighted the work of the school’s two specialist resource bases, which support pupils with dyslexia and with social, emotional and mental health needs.
The report said staff in these bases know their pupils well and help them make good progress, gaining confidence in their literacy and numeracy skills.
A “central student support hub” enables the school’s pastoral team to work together, with safe spaces such as “Hafan” available for pupils with emotional and welfare needs.
The school’s curriculum was described as broad and purposeful, with partnerships including motor vehicle engineering and hair and beauty courses delivered through Coleg Cambria, and science learning linked to the local aerospace industry.
Inspectors said the headteacher provides “assured and thoughtful leadership” and is supported by a committed team of senior leaders and governors who share a clear vision for the school.
Headteacher Simon Budgen said: “We are very pleased that the report recognises so many of the strengths of Hawarden High School and reflects much of what staff, pupils, governors and families work hard to sustain each day.”
“In particular, it is encouraging to see recognition of the school’s inclusive ethos, the strength of its pastoral care and support, the breadth of opportunity available to pupils and the school’s work to support those who may face barriers to learning.”
“This is a strong report and one which reflects many of the qualities that our community already knows to be important to the life of the school. As with any inspection, it also identifies areas for further improvement through its recommendations, and we will take those forward carefully as part of our ongoing work to strengthen the school further.”
“Inspection is one important part of the wider picture, and this report sits alongside the many other indicators of how well the school is doing.”
The report makes four recommendations for the school to continue to improve.
These are to address shortcomings in teaching identified in the report, to refine the precision of self-evaluation and improvement planning, to improve attendance, and to strengthen the provision for Welsh.
The school will now draw up an action plan to address the four recommendations.
It was the school’s first Estyn inspection since March 2017, and was carried out on 9 March 2026.
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